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Gap, which owns its namesake brand, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, said on Wednesday that it planned to reopen up to 800 stores in North America by the end of May, as retailers clamor to return to business after shutting down because of the coronavirus pandemic.Gap, which owns its namesake brand, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, said on Wednesday that it planned to reopen up to 800 stores in North America by the end of May, as retailers clamor to return to business after shutting down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our goal is to be responsibly aggressive,” Sonia Syngal, chief executive of Gap, said in an interview with The Times’s Sapna Maheshwari on Tuesday. “Every retailer will have its own opening strategy, but suffice it to say we are looking to open where we’re legally allowed to open as soon as we can.” “Our goal is to be responsibly aggressive,” Sonia Syngal, chief executive of Gap, said in an interview with The New York Times’s Sapna Maheshwari on Tuesday. “Every retailer will have its own opening strategy, but suffice it to say we are looking to open where we’re legally allowed to open as soon as we can.”
The plan follows similar strategies announced in recent weeks by Macy’s, the owner of Bloomingdales and Bluemercury, and Simon Property Group, the biggest mall operator in the United States. Macy’s said on April 30 that it planned to reopen all its 775 stores, including its major flagships in Manhattan, within six to eight weeks.The plan follows similar strategies announced in recent weeks by Macy’s, the owner of Bloomingdales and Bluemercury, and Simon Property Group, the biggest mall operator in the United States. Macy’s said on April 30 that it planned to reopen all its 775 stores, including its major flagships in Manhattan, within six to eight weeks.
Gap will start reopening a batch of stores this weekend in Texas, though declined to specify a number. The openings of 800 stores — nearly one-third of its locations in North America — would be dependent on guidelines from state and local authorities, Ms. Syngal said.Gap will start reopening a batch of stores this weekend in Texas, though declined to specify a number. The openings of 800 stores — nearly one-third of its locations in North America — would be dependent on guidelines from state and local authorities, Ms. Syngal said.
The retailer said it will implement a range of safety measures in stores, including supplying associates with face masks and installing plexiglass partitions in front of registers. Fitting rooms and restrooms will not be available, and returns will be quarantined for 24 hours.The retailer said it will implement a range of safety measures in stores, including supplying associates with face masks and installing plexiglass partitions in front of registers. Fitting rooms and restrooms will not be available, and returns will be quarantined for 24 hours.
The company had furloughed nearly 80,000 store employees in the U.S. and Canada as part of the closures.The company had furloughed nearly 80,000 store employees in the U.S. and Canada as part of the closures.
General Motors reported a small profit in the first quarter and said on Wednesday that it was preparing to restart most of its operations in the United States and Canada on May 18 using new safety protocols to protect employees from the coronavirus.General Motors reported a small profit in the first quarter and said on Wednesday that it was preparing to restart most of its operations in the United States and Canada on May 18 using new safety protocols to protect employees from the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, Fiat Chrysler also said it aimed to resume production on May 18. Ford Motor has not said when it hopes to restart factories.On Tuesday, Fiat Chrysler also said it aimed to resume production on May 18. Ford Motor has not said when it hopes to restart factories.
“Considerable planning is underway to restart operations in North America,” G.M. said in a statement. The company said its safety measures were informed by its experience in China and a factory in Kokomo, Ind., where the automaker is producing ventilators.“Considerable planning is underway to restart operations in North America,” G.M. said in a statement. The company said its safety measures were informed by its experience in China and a factory in Kokomo, Ind., where the automaker is producing ventilators.
In the first three months of the year, as the coronavirus forced the company to halt production around the world, G.M.’s revenue fell 6 percent to $32.9 billion and its profit dropped 87 percent to $294 million. Vehicle sales in the quarter declined 18 percent in North America and 43 percent in China.In the first three months of the year, as the coronavirus forced the company to halt production around the world, G.M.’s revenue fell 6 percent to $32.9 billion and its profit dropped 87 percent to $294 million. Vehicle sales in the quarter declined 18 percent in North America and 43 percent in China.
The large U.S. automakers have been discussing plans to resume production with the United Auto Workers union, which has expressed concern about the push to reopen factories too quickly.The large U.S. automakers have been discussing plans to resume production with the United Auto Workers union, which has expressed concern about the push to reopen factories too quickly.
“We continue to advocate for as much testing as possible at the current time and eventually full-testing when available,” the U.A.W. president, Rory Gamble, said in a statement.“We continue to advocate for as much testing as possible at the current time and eventually full-testing when available,” the U.A.W. president, Rory Gamble, said in a statement.
The European Union’s economy is set to shrink by 7.4 percent this year, investment is expected to collapse and unemployment rates, debts and deficits will balloon in the brutal aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the European Commission said Wednesday.The European Union’s economy is set to shrink by 7.4 percent this year, investment is expected to collapse and unemployment rates, debts and deficits will balloon in the brutal aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the European Commission said Wednesday.
To put these figures in perspective, the European Union’s economy had been predicted to grow by 1.2 percent this year, and in its worst recession, in 2009 during the financial crisis, its economy shrank by 4.5 percent.To put these figures in perspective, the European Union’s economy had been predicted to grow by 1.2 percent this year, and in its worst recession, in 2009 during the financial crisis, its economy shrank by 4.5 percent.
Predicting the breadth of a recession can be a moving target, the commission admitted, and things could end up being much worse.Predicting the breadth of a recession can be a moving target, the commission admitted, and things could end up being much worse.
“The danger of a deeper and more protracted recession is very real,” the head of the commission’s economic unit, Maarten Verwey, said in the forecast’s foreword. The commission issues these forecasts four times a year.“The danger of a deeper and more protracted recession is very real,” the head of the commission’s economic unit, Maarten Verwey, said in the forecast’s foreword. The commission issues these forecasts four times a year.
Italy and Spain, the two countries worst hit by the disease, will see their economies shrink by more than 9 percent each. Greece, which had started turning a corner after a decade of economic calamity, will suffer the most of the union’s 27 nations, according to the forecasts, losing 9.7 of its economic output this year.Italy and Spain, the two countries worst hit by the disease, will see their economies shrink by more than 9 percent each. Greece, which had started turning a corner after a decade of economic calamity, will suffer the most of the union’s 27 nations, according to the forecasts, losing 9.7 of its economic output this year.
And unemployment is expected to be rampant, averaging 9 percent across the bloc and reaching 19.9 percent in Greece, the European Commission said.And unemployment is expected to be rampant, averaging 9 percent across the bloc and reaching 19.9 percent in Greece, the European Commission said.
The bloc’s biggest economy, Germany, will also be hammered, and its economy is projected to shrink by 6.5 percent for the year. France, the bloc’s second-largest economy, is expected to contract by 8.5 percent this year.The bloc’s biggest economy, Germany, will also be hammered, and its economy is projected to shrink by 6.5 percent for the year. France, the bloc’s second-largest economy, is expected to contract by 8.5 percent this year.
Stocks on Wall Street swung between gains and losses on Wednesday, shares in Europe were mixed, and oil prices, which had been on an upswing recently, also pared an early rally.Stocks on Wall Street swung between gains and losses on Wednesday, shares in Europe were mixed, and oil prices, which had been on an upswing recently, also pared an early rally.
Markets had been buoyed this week by signs that the countries hardest hit by the virus were slowly emerging from economically devastating lockdowns.Markets had been buoyed this week by signs that the countries hardest hit by the virus were slowly emerging from economically devastating lockdowns.
But the gains have been small, and the rest of the week will bring more concrete evidence of the severity of the damage caused by the shutdown, with a monthly report on unemployment Friday to provide a comprehensive look at the number of Americans out of work.But the gains have been small, and the rest of the week will bring more concrete evidence of the severity of the damage caused by the shutdown, with a monthly report on unemployment Friday to provide a comprehensive look at the number of Americans out of work.
Already, reports on jobless claims have shown that more than 30 million workers in the United States sought unemployment benefits over the six weeks through April. Another weekly update is due on Thursday.Already, reports on jobless claims have shown that more than 30 million workers in the United States sought unemployment benefits over the six weeks through April. Another weekly update is due on Thursday.
And on Wednesday, the ADP National Employment Report, showed the private sector work force had plunged by an unprecedented 20 million jobs in April. Separately, new data from the European Commission predicted a deep recession on the continent this year.And on Wednesday, the ADP National Employment Report, showed the private sector work force had plunged by an unprecedented 20 million jobs in April. Separately, new data from the European Commission predicted a deep recession on the continent this year.
Oil prices, which had rebounded over the past two days, fell on Wednesday. The price of benchmark crude in the United States retreated to a little over $23 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell below $30 a barrel.Oil prices, which had rebounded over the past two days, fell on Wednesday. The price of benchmark crude in the United States retreated to a little over $23 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell below $30 a barrel.
Even as they have substantially reduced service, the largest U.S. airlines are averaging just 17 passengers on domestic flights and 29 on international flights, according to a copy of congressional testimony from the head of Airlines for America, an industry group.Even as they have substantially reduced service, the largest U.S. airlines are averaging just 17 passengers on domestic flights and 29 on international flights, according to a copy of congressional testimony from the head of Airlines for America, an industry group.
At the same time, airlines are collectively burning through about $10 billion a month as they cut costs and await the return of passengers, Nicholas Calio, the industry group’s chief executive, said in the testimony, prepared for a Senate hearing about aviation on Wednesday.At the same time, airlines are collectively burning through about $10 billion a month as they cut costs and await the return of passengers, Nicholas Calio, the industry group’s chief executive, said in the testimony, prepared for a Senate hearing about aviation on Wednesday.
“While the industry will do everything it can to mitigate and address the multitude of challenges, no factual doubt exists that the U.S. airline industry will emerge from this crisis a mere shadow of what it was just three short months ago,” Mr. Calio said in the prepared remarks.“While the industry will do everything it can to mitigate and address the multitude of challenges, no factual doubt exists that the U.S. airline industry will emerge from this crisis a mere shadow of what it was just three short months ago,” Mr. Calio said in the prepared remarks.
The pandemic has virtually wiped out air travel with traffic volumes down 95 percent and more than 3,000 aircraft grounded. More than 100,000 airline employees are working reduced hours or have accepted pay cuts or early retirement, Mr. Calio said.The pandemic has virtually wiped out air travel with traffic volumes down 95 percent and more than 3,000 aircraft grounded. More than 100,000 airline employees are working reduced hours or have accepted pay cuts or early retirement, Mr. Calio said.
Mr. Calio addressed complaints from some consumers that airlines were strongly encouraging them to take vouchers instead of refunds for canceled flights, saying that if the carriers refunded all canceled tickets at once they might have to seek bankruptcy protection.Mr. Calio addressed complaints from some consumers that airlines were strongly encouraging them to take vouchers instead of refunds for canceled flights, saying that if the carriers refunded all canceled tickets at once they might have to seek bankruptcy protection.
He also thanked Congress for injecting nearly $50 billion in grants and loans into the industry in March and said that the funds would help provide stability “throughout a challenging summer, going into a very uncertain fall season.”He also thanked Congress for injecting nearly $50 billion in grants and loans into the industry in March and said that the funds would help provide stability “throughout a challenging summer, going into a very uncertain fall season.”
With millions of us working from home in the coronavirus pandemic, companies are hunting for ways to ensure that we are doing what we are supposed to. Demand has surged for software that can monitor employees, with programs tracking the words we type, snapping pictures with our computer cameras and giving our managers rankings of who is spending too much time on Facebook and not enough on Excel.With millions of us working from home in the coronavirus pandemic, companies are hunting for ways to ensure that we are doing what we are supposed to. Demand has surged for software that can monitor employees, with programs tracking the words we type, snapping pictures with our computer cameras and giving our managers rankings of who is spending too much time on Facebook and not enough on Excel.
The technology raises thorny privacy questions about where employers draw the line between maintaining productivity from a homebound work force and creepy surveillance. To try to answer them, Adam Satariano turned the spylike software on himself.The technology raises thorny privacy questions about where employers draw the line between maintaining productivity from a homebound work force and creepy surveillance. To try to answer them, Adam Satariano turned the spylike software on himself.
Last month, he downloaded employee-monitoring software made by Hubstaff, an Indianapolis company. Every few minutes, it snapped a screenshot of the websites he browsed, the documents he was writing and the social media sites he visited. From his phone, it mapped where he went, including a two-hour bike ride around Battersea Park in the middle of one workday.Last month, he downloaded employee-monitoring software made by Hubstaff, an Indianapolis company. Every few minutes, it snapped a screenshot of the websites he browsed, the documents he was writing and the social media sites he visited. From his phone, it mapped where he went, including a two-hour bike ride around Battersea Park in the middle of one workday.
To complete the experiment, he gave his editor, Pui-Wing Tam, the keys to the Hubstaff program so she could track him. After three weeks of digital monitoring, the future of work surveillance seemed to both of them to be overly intrusive.To complete the experiment, he gave his editor, Pui-Wing Tam, the keys to the Hubstaff program so she could track him. After three weeks of digital monitoring, the future of work surveillance seemed to both of them to be overly intrusive.
After being closed for more than three months, Shanghai Disneyland will greet visitors again on May 11, the first Disney park to reopen after the company closed them amid the coronavirus pandemic.After being closed for more than three months, Shanghai Disneyland will greet visitors again on May 11, the first Disney park to reopen after the company closed them amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In China, where the park is a major attraction, many people saw the move as symbolic. “The reopening means the outbreak in China is truly controlled,” a user wrote on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform.In China, where the park is a major attraction, many people saw the move as symbolic. “The reopening means the outbreak in China is truly controlled,” a user wrote on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform.
All, however, is not back to normal. Visitors will be required to register personal information online and show that their code is green on China’s health-tracking smartphone app, which authorities have used to rank people’s infection risk. Visitors will have their temperatures checked at the gates. They must wear masks. Crowd sizes will be controlled at restaurants, rides and other facilities. Pictures released by Disney show markings on the ground to help park-goers maintain social distancing.All, however, is not back to normal. Visitors will be required to register personal information online and show that their code is green on China’s health-tracking smartphone app, which authorities have used to rank people’s infection risk. Visitors will have their temperatures checked at the gates. They must wear masks. Crowd sizes will be controlled at restaurants, rides and other facilities. Pictures released by Disney show markings on the ground to help park-goers maintain social distancing.
“Finally, there won’t be a line at the Tron Lightcycle Power Run!” an excited Disney fan wrote, referencing a popular ride. Opened in 2016 as the first Disney park in mainland China, it is known for its hourslong lines.“Finally, there won’t be a line at the Tron Lightcycle Power Run!” an excited Disney fan wrote, referencing a popular ride. Opened in 2016 as the first Disney park in mainland China, it is known for its hourslong lines.
Not everything will be open. Some attractions, like theater shows and the park’s colorful nighttime parade, will be canceled to limit guest contact.Not everything will be open. Some attractions, like theater shows and the park’s colorful nighttime parade, will be canceled to limit guest contact.
Peloton, which last year endured a rocky initial public offering and a widely mocked holiday ad, is emerging as a potential winner of the quarantine economy. Gyms, boutique studios and personal trainers have been sidelined, but home workout systems are thriving.Peloton, which last year endured a rocky initial public offering and a widely mocked holiday ad, is emerging as a potential winner of the quarantine economy. Gyms, boutique studios and personal trainers have been sidelined, but home workout systems are thriving.
Since mid-March, Peloton’s stock has soared 86 percent, valuing the New York company at $10 billion, or twice as much as the gym chain Planet Fitness. Last month, Peloton reported a record: More than 23,000 people had joined one of its live classes.Since mid-March, Peloton’s stock has soared 86 percent, valuing the New York company at $10 billion, or twice as much as the gym chain Planet Fitness. Last month, Peloton reported a record: More than 23,000 people had joined one of its live classes.
When Peloton reports quarterly financial results on Wednesday, Wall Street expects the unprofitable company to post rising sales. Analysts pointed to surges in the number of ratings for fitness classes on Peloton’s system and longer waits for delivery of the bikes, which signal higher-than-expected demand. The results may not reveal the full extent of Peloton’s popularity, because they cover only a few weeks of the lockdown period in March.When Peloton reports quarterly financial results on Wednesday, Wall Street expects the unprofitable company to post rising sales. Analysts pointed to surges in the number of ratings for fitness classes on Peloton’s system and longer waits for delivery of the bikes, which signal higher-than-expected demand. The results may not reveal the full extent of Peloton’s popularity, because they cover only a few weeks of the lockdown period in March.
“Consumer habits are fundamentally changed coming out of this crisis and this pandemic,” said Ron Josey, an analyst at JMP Securities. “A device and service like Peloton comes to the forefront in that.”“Consumer habits are fundamentally changed coming out of this crisis and this pandemic,” said Ron Josey, an analyst at JMP Securities. “A device and service like Peloton comes to the forefront in that.”
Transportation and denser housing have been the two focal points of urban residential development for the last decade, as cities like Seattle and San Francisco try to combat a severe shortage of affordable housing. But some developers worry that the coronavirus pandemic will stop the momentum as social distancing and telecommuting become the norm.
In areas where car commute times continue to climb, and freeways are at capacity, building denser communities along transit lines is seen as a panacea.
These projects, known as live-leave developments or more formally as transit-oriented developments, can be no-frills projects that focus on housing and getting people in and out fast. Or they can be more centered on amenities, meant to attract not only residents but commercial developers who find the density attractive for restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques.
Most experts say that the demand for transit-oriented development will still exist in some form after the crisis, but that the pandemic will leave a legacy.
Developers are already starting to consider new design plans. Expect more open spaces, broader sidewalks, slimmer roads and promenades in the future.
Uber said it would lay off about 3,700 full time workers on its customer support and recruiting teams as the ride-hailing business slumps. Uber had about 27,000 employees at the end of 2019, and the company was reported last week to be looking at cuts of about 20 percent of its work force. Uber also said its chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, would waive his base salary for the rest of the year.Uber said it would lay off about 3,700 full time workers on its customer support and recruiting teams as the ride-hailing business slumps. Uber had about 27,000 employees at the end of 2019, and the company was reported last week to be looking at cuts of about 20 percent of its work force. Uber also said its chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, would waive his base salary for the rest of the year.
United Airlines announced a $2.25 billion bond offering on Wednesday that would be used to pay down a $2 billion loan it took out in early March. The airline also said it would no longer force thousands of full-time workers to part-time status, a move that prompted a union lawsuit, if enough employees volunteer for a reduction in hours.United Airlines announced a $2.25 billion bond offering on Wednesday that would be used to pay down a $2 billion loan it took out in early March. The airline also said it would no longer force thousands of full-time workers to part-time status, a move that prompted a union lawsuit, if enough employees volunteer for a reduction in hours.
General Motors reported first-quarter net income of $300 million, a sharp drop from $2.2 billion a year ago, as the coronavirus took a toll on its operations around the world. The automaker did not immediately provide a forecast for the second quarter, when the impact of the virus will be even greater. In a statement, the company said it was “targeting to restart the majority of manufacturing operations on May 18 in the U.S. and Canada under extensive safety measures.”General Motors reported first-quarter net income of $300 million, a sharp drop from $2.2 billion a year ago, as the coronavirus took a toll on its operations around the world. The automaker did not immediately provide a forecast for the second quarter, when the impact of the virus will be even greater. In a statement, the company said it was “targeting to restart the majority of manufacturing operations on May 18 in the U.S. and Canada under extensive safety measures.”
The New York Times Company reported on Wednesday that it had netted 587,000 new digital subscriptions in the first quarter and surpassed 6 million total subscriptions by the end of April. But its chief executive, Mark Thompson, warned that advertising revenue had plummeted and could continue to fall by as much as 55 percent in the second quarter.The New York Times Company reported on Wednesday that it had netted 587,000 new digital subscriptions in the first quarter and surpassed 6 million total subscriptions by the end of April. But its chief executive, Mark Thompson, warned that advertising revenue had plummeted and could continue to fall by as much as 55 percent in the second quarter.
BMW said Wednesday that deliveries of new vehicles plunged 20 percent in the first three months of the year and warned that it is bracing for a long period of depressed sales. The German carmaker said it “expects the consequences of the corona pandemic to constrain the operations of the entire automotive industry for quite some time to come.” Car sales, BMW said in a statement, “are not going to return to normal in the space of just a few weeks.”BMW said Wednesday that deliveries of new vehicles plunged 20 percent in the first three months of the year and warned that it is bracing for a long period of depressed sales. The German carmaker said it “expects the consequences of the corona pandemic to constrain the operations of the entire automotive industry for quite some time to come.” Car sales, BMW said in a statement, “are not going to return to normal in the space of just a few weeks.”
Reporting and research was contributed by Sapna Maheshwari, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Adam Satariano, Marc Tracy, Neal E. Boudette, Jack Ewing, Carlos Tejada, Kevin Williams, Niraj Chokshi, Mohammed Hadi, Lin Qiqing, Katie Robertson and Kevin Granville.Reporting and research was contributed by Sapna Maheshwari, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Adam Satariano, Marc Tracy, Neal E. Boudette, Jack Ewing, Carlos Tejada, Kevin Williams, Niraj Chokshi, Mohammed Hadi, Lin Qiqing, Katie Robertson and Kevin Granville.